Commentaries:
Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown
Upon Mahalath--either an instrument, as a lute, to be used as an accompaniment (Leannoth, "for singing") or, as others think, an enigmatic title (see on Psalms 5:1, Psalms 22:1, and Psalms 45:1, titles), denoting the subject--that is, "sickness or disease, for humbling," the idea of spiritual maladies being often represented by disease (compare Psalms 6:5-6; Psalms 22:14-15, etc.). On the other terms, see on Psalms 42:1 and Psalms 32:1. Heman and Ethan (see on Psalms 89:1, title) were David's singers (1 Chronicles 6:18, 1 Chronicles 6:33; 1 Chronicles 15:17), of the family of Kohath. If the persons alluded to (1 Kings 4:31; 1 Chronicles 2:6), they were probably adopted into the tribe of Judah. Though called a song, which usually implies joy (Psalms 83:1), both the style and matter of the Psalm are very despondent; yet the appeals to God evince faith, and we may suppose that the word "song" might be extended to such compositions. (Psa. 88:1-18)
Compare on the terms used, Psalms 22:2; Psalms 31:2.
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